Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Clean it or replace it ...IAT Sensor

[cD'amato]

IAT Sensor... Clean it with carb cleaner i guess? or just replace it?

 

[RADdodge]

That would work. If I remember correctly, Marco started the tread on cleaning the sensor. As I remember, he or someone on that thread, listed the resistance/temp for a correctly working IAT sensor. That way you could tell if your sensor is functioning correctly while you have it out. Try a search.

 

[Diesel Gunner]

I have cleaned mine once in 37,000 miles. It did not look dirty to me but I shot it with some carb cleaner anyway. Did not make a bit of difference. I think that in the spring I will pull it again to see if the e-brake has caused any build up and will post what I find then.

 

[rblomquist]

Mine had 70k on it and was very clean. I did shoot it w/carb cleaner and moved the therminator (?) away from touching the housing; no difference but then again I don't have an e-brake either.

 

[mcoleman]

Mine was clean at 85000 miles but I changed it and still picked up mileage. I think it is more of an issue of the voltage being off than the unit actually being dirty.

 

[Ted Constantine]

I think I am going to go ahead and replace mine. IT has 50k on it and has been clean once at around 22k. How much are they$$$ and does anyone know the DC or Cummins parts numbers for them.



Thanks

Ted

 

[mcoleman]

I paid 20. some odd bucks for mine at the stealer. Do a search for the part number. My box is on the bench in the shop and I'm at work.

 

[Alan Reagan]

When I cleaned my IAT at 30,000, it had a brown patina color like a spark plug. I cleaned it with brake cleaner. Also, be aware that the thermistor should not be touching the protective metal case or it will throw off the readings. By the way, it's not the protective case you are cleaning, it's the thermistor inside the window of the protective case. You know, the blue bulb looking thing. So clean it, center it, and reinstall it.

 

[pwr2tow]

I'am at a different computer right now so I don't have any of my records with me but if memory serves me right I think I picked up 2. 8 MPG towing after I installed a new I. A. T. sensor. I think I paid $23. 00 for it and the part number is at home, when I get home if no one has listed the part number by then I will.



Ron

 

[Ron Bissett]

clean it if you have a exhaust brake if not forgetabout it . soots up from the exhaust brake blow back . Ron in Louisville KY :-{}

 

[mcoleman]

2. + mpg is what I also picked up on mileage even though my AIT was clean. The 23. 00 sounds right.

 

[gregdoerfler]

TTT



anyone know the part # for the sensor from dodge?

 

[jhurst]

Check http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/sensors/IAT/clean.htm



Gives instructions for removing the sensor, resistance values of the sensor, and the part numbers.



Cummins PN 3408345

Dodge PN 05014197AA



Justin H

 

[gregdoerfler]

thank you

 

[John Berger]

Originally posted by Ron Bissett

clean it if you have a exhaust brake if not forgetabout it . soots up from the exhaust brake blow back . Ron in Louisville KY :-{}

Ron, in my situation that is not true. I installed an exhaust brake on my truck in mid-March. At the time I had 91,175 miles on the truck. My fuel mileage had been declining/erratic since early November 2002. I thought it was cooler weather, winterized fuel, etc. but it wasn't getting any better. I just totally forgot about the IAT sensor thread that Alan posted some time back. After smacking myself upside the forehead I pulled the IAT sensor about two weeks ago and it was a black sooty mess. At this point, the e-brake had only been on the truck for about a week. I installed a spare and my next tank of fuel went to 16. 33 mpg, whereas the previous two tanks had been below 15 mpg. Whatever caused my problem, it was not the exhaust brake. I think my sensor was just too dirty or went bad. I will be checking the sensor at least twice a year from now on.

 

[Alan Reagan]

I don't remember what readings I got when I tested the IAT's but Marco tabularized them for everyone to use. Remember? When I decided to replace mine, it was not that old. My test readings were terrible though and changing the sensor made a considerable difference in smoke and mpg. Don't think you can just get this thing cold in a refrigerator, take it out and measure the resistance. It is very fast acting. I had access to environmental test equipment that I could easily duplicate various temperatures and check resistance at those temps.